Cellular Respiration Notes

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Glycolysis

Breakdown of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate in the cytoplasm, yielding 2 ATP.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

Conversion of pyruvate to Acetyl-CoA in the mitochondrial matrix, producing NADH, FADH2, CO2, and ATP.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Process in the inner mitochondrial membrane where electrons generate a proton gradient, yielding approximately 32-34 ATP.

ATP Production

Substrate-level phosphorylation in glycolysis and Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in the ETC.

Fermentation

Anaerobic processes like lactic acid fermentation in muscle cells and alcoholic fermentation in yeast, with a lower ATP yield.

Mitochondria Structure

Comprising outer membrane, inner membrane with cristae, and matrix containing Krebs cycle enzymes.

Redox Reactions

Involving electron carriers NAD+ and FAD, with oxygen as the final electron acceptor in the ETC.

Regulation of Cellular Respiration

Control of the respiration rate by molecules like ATP, ADP, and NADH.

Connection to Photosynthesis

Interdependence of photosynthesis and respiration through the exchange of products like glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water.